Travel Writing Forthcoming, 2026
A personal vignettes featured in an upcoming anthology. More details soon.
The Bicycle HarperCollins/Farshore, 2024 (US) · 2025 (UK)
A picture book based on Mevan’s own childhood — fleeing Baghdad as a young refugee, a bicycle gifted by a stranger in a camp, and a journey 24 years later to find and thank him.
Published by HarperCollins/Farshore and used in classrooms around the world to open conversations about kindness, refugees, and belonging.
Longlisted for Peters Children’s Book of the Year and the UK literacy association awards.
Reviews
“[An] absorbing, moving picture book” – The Guardian
“A powerful story of resilience and hope” – Scope for Imaginationblog
“A beautifully heartwarming story of the power of kindness.” – My Shelves Are Full blog
“I really, really loved this book. […] My Mummy and I talked about how one simple act of kindness can change a person’s life. I hope I can continue to be this kind when I am a grown up.” – Noah, age 6, Books Up North
“This poignant tale reminds us of the life-changing impact of kindness, offering young readers an inspiring glimpse into the refugee experience and the healing power of human connection” – Inis magazine
“This moving story is definitely one of 2025’s essential picture books… It truly shows the power of kindness and will generate such rich conversations in the classroom or in homes whilst reading. With beautiful illustrations too, this is a book you must read!” – Tom Griffiths, Check ‘Em Out Books
“[A] very special book to share and one that… primary schools should add to their library shelves.” – World’s Smallest Library
Foreword, The Refugee Dictionary UK for UNHCR, 2021
The 1951 Refugee Convention enshrines the right of people fleeing the horrors of conflict and persecution to seek refuge in another country. It defines who is a refugee under international law. To mark the 70th Anniversary of these human rights, UK for UNHCR called on the public to submit their own definitions of the word “refugee”. With over 1000 definitions, the Refugee Dictionary was born. Mevan was invited to write the foreword.
Featured in Positive News, UNHCR
Mevan Babakar 